2013 Dive Gear Buyers Guide - Computers and Watches

Carrie GarciaThis new three-gas data-cruncher combines the high readability of a full-color, customizable OLED screen with wireless air integration, an intuitive navigation system that eschews buttons for a menu-based finger “tap” system, and so much more. The transmitter’s range is 330 feet, which means you can also monitor your buddy or students.
Contact: liquivision.com
MSRP: Lynx, $1,399; transmitter, $499

Carrie GarciaThe dual-gas nitrox-capable Leonardo now comes in a two- and three-gauge console along with Cressi’s first-rate multicolor submersible pressure gauge. The low-profile console is the perfect gauge cluster in a compact package.
Contact: cressi.com
MSRP: Two-gauge, $430; three-gauge, $450

Carrie GarciaA new version of an old favorite, the Mares Puck Pro offers a larger display in a slimmer casing. The user interface is also more intuitive, plus users now have multigas capability to 99 percent nitrox as well as upgradeable firmware.
Contact: mares.com
MSRP: $360

Carrie GarciaWith a wide display screen and a redesigned layout that better organizes the most important data, readability has been radically improved. This new multigas version also has a more intuitive interface to make it even easier to use.
Contact: mares.com
MSRP: $570

Carrie GarciaThe wristwatch-style computer is equipped with a stealthy blacksteel bracelet. Other features include a tilt-compensated 3-D compass, optional wireless air integration, gas-switching capability and a dedicated free-dive mode.
Contact: aqualung.com
MSRP: $1,399; $1,799 with transmitter

Carrie GarciaThe Amphos is an attractive fullfeatured digital watch when you’re on the surface. Take it underwater, and it’s a two-gas air/nitrox computer with a variety of features for advanced diving, including freedive and gauge modes.
Contact: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $470

Carrie Garcia1. ORIS AQUIS DATE
Water resistant to 984 feet, this timepiece features a stainless-steel case and a ceramic minutes-scale top ring. Hands and indices are luminous. The rubber strap has a stainless-steel security clasp with an extension for wearing over wetsuits.
Contact: oris.ch
**MSRP: **$1,650 with rubber strap; $1,850 with bracelet2. BALL ENGINEER HYDROCARBON NEDU
Named after the Navy’s Experimental Diving Unit, this stainless-steel-and-titanium timepiece is depth rated to more than 1,900 feet. A helium release valve is incorporated into the crown, and the watch features a luminous unidirectional bezel.
Contact: ballwatchusa.com
**MSRP: **$4,3993. CITIZEN SCUBA FIN
Powered by Eco-Drive technology with a one-way, rotating elapsed-time bezel and water resistant to 200 meters, this sporty stainless-steel-and-polyurethane strap comes in five colors and is perfect from sea to shore.
Contact: citizenwatch.com
MSRP: $2994. LUMINOX DEEP DIVE AUTO MAT IC 1500 SERIES
A Swiss mechanical movement is mounted in a 316L stainless-steel case. An automatic helium escape valve allows the watch to operate down to 1,500 feet. With green and blue LLT tubes and Super-LumiNova on the indices for maximum visibility.
Contact: luminox.com
MSRP: $2,000-$2,200
Safety first. The new dive computers on the market are certainly eye-catching, with superlative graphics and gorgeous exteriors. But it’s the advanced algorithms and cool features that help you dive safer.